AINSDALE beach finds itself at the centre of a real life maritime mystery as the stormy autumn weather unearthed a shipwreck from the sands just south of the beach parking area.

The wreck was brought to the attention of Sefton's Coast and Coutryside Rangers by one of their local volunteers.

So far experts have been left stumped by the identity of the wooden remains.

A spokesman for Sefton Council said: “Despite careful mapping and tens of thousands of visitors every year, the Sefton coast can still throw up surprises.”

Martyn Griffiths, who regularly lectures on the shipwrecks of the Sefton coast confirmed he knew of the remains, and had last photographed them 20-30 years ago when it emerged from the shifting sands, but was unable to put a name to the vessel.

“The craft can be found between the famous ‘Star of Hope' wreck and the dunes at the southern end of the beach, but may soon disappear under the shifting sands again.

Any hope of finding out just exactly what the ship is has been dismissed by the expert.

”You'll never find that out as it's buried in the mists of time.

“There's always things turning up on the coastline.”

All wrecks are protected by law, and visitors to the beach should be aware of tide times, channels and changing weather conditions.